May 16, 2014

Report From My Gut: Let's Talk Motility!

This blog entry is not for the faint of heart!

Time to talk "motility." For people with GERD, gastroparesis, and other GI conditions, "not going" is not just uncomfortable -- it's a crisis. One "slow" day can easily spiral into a few days, making my already challenged intestines and slow stomach even more cranky. And, I have found that when I am constipated, nausea often follows.

This morning, I am on day three of feeling not my best.

I do all the advised things. I've done most of these in the last 24 hours:

Relax (trying!! trying!! trying!! but easier said than done when the clock is ticking and I need to leave the house for work -- bloated, again!)

Now it's less than 40 minutes to my departure time and I need to shower, get dressed, pack my lunch, and head out -- but who wants to schlep to work feeling like you've got an extra 29 pounds in your gut? Gassy. Crampy. Psychologically bloated. I don't like using public restrooms (who does?) and with "gut issues" it's just better dealing with things at home, trust me.

So, this remains an ongoing issue for me. For months, I had somehow settled into a routine and constipation was occasional. It is upsetting to be back in this situation, worrying where and when my next bowel movement will be! If I "take too long" in the morning, that can prevent me from meeting my exercise goals -- a 45 minute walk before work, or my Tai Chi class. It's a daily struggle.

One comfort: If you are reading this and experience the same issues, you are not alone. Constipation is one of the most common concerns, and one of the least discussed. It may not be "life threatening" but it is definitely life-impacting.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING -- LINKAGE
A few interesting and helpful online resources:

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is Cranky G?

I have been diagnosed with gastroparesis -- "slow stomach emptying." In other words, things don't move as quickly as they should. Side effects include GERD, constipation, bloating and nausea. (I was first diagnosed with "GERD," so I named this blog in honor of the situation. These days, I think of it as Cranky G, for all of my cranky gastro issues, which include some GERD symptoms.) While my GI journey is the focus, I do include other topics here and there which may be of interest, and because we are more than our GI tracts! :)